The discussion has been helpful. It is tautological to say a personal relationship. A relationship between persons is by definitely personal – but simply to say it is personal does not define it very well. There are many kinds and levels of personal relationship.
The older language of a lively faith is perhaps more helpful. Faith can be separated from charity. As James says, the demons believe and tremble. A faith can be merely notional, a commitment to a set of abstract statements.
Or we can have faith in a person, trust in that person’s love for us, and this is the sort of faith that we have (or should have) in God. It is obscure or weak in many people, but I think it keeps them going.
However, when we realize that Jesus died for us, for each of us and all of us as the new humanity, and pours his Spirit upon us, and cares for us, and wills our good, we have lively faith.
The key word is realize, and I think that Newman discussed that matter at length. When the truth of the Redemption becomes real to us, something we stake our whole existence on, that gives meaning to everything, then we have what some call a personal relationship with Jesus. Is this what people mean?
“Is this what people mean?” I think so Lee but would add this is precisely the targeted attack in society and culture today. That is to say the Belief in the Redemptive power of Jesus Christ as the Saviour of mankind’s individual soul.
This is the Zietgeist that is on the rise. A belief in The Great Man rather than the One True God.
Jesus Christ was just a man.Jesus Christ was just another prophet . There is no proof of a soul or afterlife.The Bible is myth and legend.
The same kind of men that have molested others are the same as those who interpret and wrote the Bible.
It all equates to a lack of a personal individual responsibilty rather than a personal relationship with God. The Zeitgeist would have us believe we are just animals as would Lucifer.
The New Testament word for “believe” means “to trust in, to cling to, to rely upon”. That’s exactly what you’re describing Leon. That’s the belief associated with having eternal life. It’s an attitude of heart, mind and will directed towards a specific person, Jesus. And it’s an attitude that is necessarily, by its nature, foundational in one’s life.
Would you happen to know where Newman speaks of this “realizing”? Thanks.